Per Mertesacker is entrusted with the job of collecting fines from Arsenal players in breach of club discipline but the German may find himself going cap in hand to manager Arsene Wenger for his place in the team.

The 31-year-old midfielder was handed an 18-month deal when he joined from Tottenham in January last year, so will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

But Jenas said: “Would I like to stay? Yeah, definitely. QPR took a chance on me when I ruptured my Achilles and we’ll hopefully talk at the end of the season about a new contract. There are a few of us in the same situation and we’re fighting tooth and nail to get the club back in the Premier League.”

Birmingham owner Carson Yeung was today found guilty of laundering £55million by a court in Hong Kong. He will be sentenced on Friday but could face 14 years in jail.

Acting chairman Peter Pannu said: “I’d like to reassure all supporters and staff that today’s verdict will have no impact on the day-to-day operations at the club.”